CPM must correct mistakes, says rebel leader T K Govindan

Kannur: Former CPM leader T K Govindan on Tuesday said that the party should be ready to correct its mistakes by learning from the debacle in the assembly polls. "CPM in Kerala would meet the same fate as it did in West Bengal if it fails to correct its mistakes," said Govindan, who defeated CPM's P K Shyamala in the communist stronghold of Taliparamba. He added that his attempt was to correct CPM and never wanted to cause damage. "My voice against the weakening of inner-party democracy in CPM received widespread support from party members and the public. Even CPM cadres, including local committee members, have cast their votes for me," he said. Govindan further said that the contest in Dharmadom, the constituency of outgoing CM Pinarayi Vijayan, was unprecedented. "I did not want Vijayan to lose the election but never expected he would face an electoral challenge in the CPM stronghold. The party should examine it in detail. The anti-Vijayan sentiments among the people should also be discussed by the party. Bothe CPM state secretary and chief minister should be ready to make changes," he said.